I’ll write more about this show next week, but I thought everyone should see the animated version of the flyer design by Bleeding Palm (damn, Facebook for not allowing moving images #myspace4lyfe).
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/468069196556125/
County Grind Night w/ Holly Hunt, Shroud Eater, & Slashpine. DJ sets by Mikey Ramirez of Radio-Active Records & Andie Sweetswirl, music-themed art show, doors at 10pm, $5 cover, $3 vodka drinks before midnight
Typically, a band name is simply just a band name. For instance, The Butchers (performing on 6/2) don’t really chop up beef for a living, and although the Jacuzzi Boys (performing on 6/16) may own a hot tub, they’re certainly not children. Despite the troubling trend of misleading band monikers, I’ve recently encountered some Ft. Lauderdale paparazzi photos that suggest that tonight’s headlining band REBEL is indeed rebellious. This leads me to a new series I like to call “REBEL Don’t Give A Sh*t!”…
This Saturday, Green Room hosts our very first art battle. What is an art battle, you ask? It’s a lot like a contest, except the word ‘battle’ sounds a lot more bad ass. Ok, so there’s no bloodshed, pre-fight weigh-ins, or even any flying acrylic paint at this particular event. This type of ‘fight’ is more of a friendly, premeditated creative competition amongst some of South Florida’s most colorfully-minded individuals. The notoriously eccentric microbrewery Magic Hat has jumped on board for this weekend’s contest. The only rule: create a piece of artwork inspired by one of Magic Hat’s newest line of summer ales, Summer Ale, #9, Elder Betty, Blind Faith, and Pistil (see images below).
Participating artists are Jacquelin Romano, Vaughn Reynolds, Matt Deterior, Zulu Painter, Ray Brown, Rosario Psy, Jennifer Love-Gironda, and Brandon Paul.
The top 3 winners will be chosen by 3 judges: a Magic Hat rep, a celebrity judge, and YOU. Yes, the people will get to vote. Here’s how it’ll work…..
Each piece will have a link directly to a photo of the piece on our Facebook page (I’ll be uploading photos of each piece a few hours before we open doors). Each ‘like’ will be counted as a vote for the artwork. At 1am, all 8 pieces will be ordered by number of ‘likes’. That combined with the order chosen by each judge will determine the top 3 winners, lowest score wins. Anyone looking for a headstart on the voting, check Green Room’s official Facebook page around 8pm on Saturday.
If art battles aren’t your thing, we have a stellar music lineup consisting of Space Between Words, Deaf Poets, and The Mirrors who all promise entertaining live performances. The Reckless Dames burlesque troupe will also be dancing throughout the night. Andie Sweetswirl will be spinning your favorite indie jams til the wee hours of the morning. No cover, doors at 9pm, 2-4-1 drinks before midnight.
I can remember the first Digital Love meeting upstairs in Green Room like it was yesterday. We were discussing the logistics of starting a new, revolutionary indie dance party on Thursday nights. At the time, Green Room didn’t really have an identity. Little known fact to a lot of our current customer base, but Green Room has actually been around for 2 years. On the weekends, “old” Green Room used to host South Beach-esque events with very little turnout. It took some balls from the managing staff at Revolution/America’s Backyard/Green Room to decide to drastically change direction, and create a party that catered to the underdeveloped local live music and art scene. For all intensive purposes, that decision was the stepping stone for the rest of our weeklys and the “Best Cultural Turnaround of 2011″. Kudos to everyone who was part of that decision– our burgeoning art and music scene is forever grateful.
Like all weekly events, the party’s name was a major topic at the first meeting. A couple of potential names for the night were thrown around such as Fuse, Fast Forward, and Lights & Music; however, none of those names stood out like Digital Love. Those two words put together represented not only a kick ass Daft Punk song (and who doesn’t like Daft Punk), but it also symbolized a night of DJs (“Digital”) and a growing community of local music fans and music lovers (“Love”). The goals of DL were laid out that night as well– showcase great local acts and get people dancing (or at least swaying). That goal is more true than ever. Going into year #2, we plan on beefing up our Thursday nights: more guest DJs, more quality local acts, more bigger national acts with strong local openers, and more quirky nights.
We cannot thank everyone who has supported us enough. Green Room prides itself on being a collaborative venue that relies on input from ALL staff members and its loyal patrons. Without everyone’s support and contributions, Green Room would be just another relic in the annals of failed South Florida live music venues. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We hope to see a lot of familiar and new faces tonight for our birthday party. The first 100 people will receive a free Digital Love compilation, complete with custom CD wallets with artwork from local artists.
One of the people at that inaugural meeting was resident DJ Andie Sweetswirl. I asked her few questions that touched on the past, the present, and the future of Digital Love.
What was your all-time favorite Digital Love memory?
The White Panda show. It was crazy packed and I loved seeing all the panda masks/ costumes!
If Digital Love was a movie, give me a song from the soundtrack?
I’d have to say Daft Punk’s “Digital Love” 
What can everyone expect from Digital Love in year #2?
Digital Love Level 2! We have certainly had amazing bands play this year and we plan on booking most of them again. We’re also seeking out national known touring bands to perform as well.
I’m putting you on the spot. Green Room has a lot of loyal customers. Who was the most loyal Digital Love customer over the past year?
We have had so many friends come out and support us so often I’m not sure who to pick as the “most” loyal. I do believe Yoni is currently the [Foursquare] mayor and he is definitely supported us since the beginning. Also a few people I can think of that frequent DL are the Andys, my brother, Michael, Jason, and Bill. There are so many others who have continuously supported us and the indie community. You’re all fabulous!
Digital Love 1 Year Anniversary Party w/ The Smiths Tribute Act (event page), FREE Digital Love Compilation to first 100 attendees, open bar for band members from 10-12, DJs Mig, Andie Sweetswirl, Lindersmash, no cover, 21+, doors at 10pm
Posted in Events, Interview, Music
Tagged Andie Sweetswirl, Digital Love, Fort Lauderdale, Ft Lauderdale, Green Room, Mig, Ordinary Boys
